Fluid inlet for paper machine



Oct. 6, 1964 Filed June 15, 1961 E. B. MELTON '7 Sheets-Sheet 1 L INVENTOR.

EDGAR B. M ELTON A TTOPA/EX Oct. 6, 1964 E. B. MELTON 'FLUID INLET FOR PAPER MACHINE '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 15, 1961 INVENTOR. MEZL'TON Oct. 6, 1964 E. B. MELTON 3,152,037

FLUID INLET FOR PAPER MACHINE Filed June 15, 1961 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. EDGAR B- MELT'ON ATTOPA/EK Oct. 6, 1964 E. B. MELTON FLUID INLET FOR PAPER MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 15, 1961 INVENTOR. EDGAR B. MELTOIN ATTOFNEK Oct. 6, 1964 E. B. MELTON FLUID INLET FOR PAPER MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed June 15, 1961 & v il m mwfim WL m IE N M mill. 3

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FLUID INLET FOR PAPER MACHINE Filed June 15, 1961 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR. EDGAR B. MELTO A TTOP/VEW Oct. 6, 1964 Filed June 15, 1961 E.B.MELTON FLUID INLET FOR PAPER MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 United States Patent 3,152,937 FLUID INLET FOR PAFER MACIHIE Edgar B. Melton, lLa Saiie, Qnehec, Qanada, assignor to Dominion Engineering Works Limited Filed dune 15, 196i, Ser. No. 117,414 4 Claims. (Cl. 162--338) This invention relates to paper making machinery and has particular reference to the provision of a new and improved apparatus for supplying paper stock to a sheet forming device which apparatus is relatively simple and economical and also more efficient for discharging a uniform ribbon of fluid over a wide range of speeds.

An object of the invention is to provide a new and improved device of the type set forth which is capable of speeds of operation far in excess of the speeds of operation of conventional stock inlets.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved device for supplying fluid to a Fourdrinier wire, giving unlimited adjustment of orientation of discharge in a plane normal to the plme of the formed web.

Another object is to provide a relatively small and cornpact device, thus reducing the space requirement for a given paper machine.

Another object is to provide a device of the type set forth wherein the maintenance requirements are reduced and wmch provides a self-cleaning configuration.

Another object is to provide a device of the type set for h which produces a stable, even and uniform flow of stock.

Another object is to provide a device having unrestricted passageways through which the fluid travels, thus provided free fluid flow and thus saving power.

Another object is to provide a device wherein a plurality of streams of fluid is combined into one single stream and then accelerated thus ensuring a complete union of the fluids.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein the preferred forms of the invention have been given by way of illustration only.

Referring to the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of the one form of device embodying the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a side view of the form of device shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken along line 33 of FIGURE 1 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURE 4 is a view showing the device in near vertical operating position;

FIGURE 5 is a view showing the device in near horizontal operating position;

FIGURE 6 is a sectional view similar to FIGURE 3 but embodying an alternative arrangement;

FIGURE 7 is a plan view generally similar to FIGURE 1 but showing a modified form of the apparatus; and

FIGURE 8 is a sectional View taken on line 88 of FIGURE 7 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Contemporary headboxes incorporate crossflow headers of various designs, combined with flow correction devices, such as rectifier rolls and oaflies. Adjustments of the slice discharge are possible, within a very narrow range, with respect to discharge direction and its position with respect to the point of impingement on the sheet forming surface.

Some of the disadvantages of contemporary headbox designs are:

(a) Necessity for flow correction device to overcome unevenness.

(b) Narrow range of adjustment.

(c) Excessive bulk and weight.

(d) The requirement for showers within the chambers to prevent lumps of stock and dirt accumulating and eventually being carried out as lumps onto the forming wire.

The present invention provides a new and improved arrangement which overcomes the drawbacks of contemporary headbox designs and provides a new and improved arrangement capable of speeds of operation far in excess of the speeds of contemporary stock inlets and without the need for mechanically and hydraulically driven parts. Furthermore, the slice or orifice opening can be easily adjusted by external means from either side of the machine while the machine is in operation.

FIGURES 1 through 6 show an arrangement embodying two conical inlets, whereas the arrangement shown in FIGURES 7 and 8 embodies but a single conical inlet.

Referring more particularly to the drawings wherein similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout, in the form of the invention shown in FIGURES 1 through 6; fluid is supplied symmetrically to the inlet by means of two external ducts 26 and 27, and enters opposed upper and lower conical inlets I3 and 14, respectively, which are dimensioned to maint in substantially constant pressure over their entire length. The fluid is then directed through orifices 23 and 29, which are set at such an angle to the slice lips 25 as to result in a discharge direction through orifices 28 and 29 substantially parallel to the direction of discharge from the slice lips 25'.

The fluid is then directed into convergent channels 39 and 31, in which it is accelerated, that is, each channel 3% and 31 decrease in thickness as it passes around the 180 degree bend. The fluid from the opposed conical inlets 13 and 14, passing through convergent channels 39 and 31, combines and mixes at 32. The fluid is then accelerated through orifice 33 into deceleration chamber 34, with subsequent acceleration through slice lips 25.

With reference to FIG. 5, when the inlet is in operation, air trapped in opposed conical inlets I3 and 14 escapes through holes 35 and 36 into ducts 3'7 and 38, which are vented to atmosphere and return fluid to its source.

Ducts 39 and 49, connected to the small ends of opposed conical inlets 13 and 14. allow a portion of the fluid to re-circulate, ensuring uniform discharge through orifices 28 and 29 over their entire lengths.

Referring to FIG. 2, this is a side elevation showing opposed upper and lower conical inlets 13 and 14, respectively, with external piping removed.

Orifice clamp bars 15 are coupled by adjusting screw 16, orifice opening indicators 17 are pivoted on, and graduated scales 18 are attached to, side wall 12. Also attached to side walls 12. are front mounting trunnions 1t) and rear mounting trunnions 11.

Referring to FIG. 3, this is a section corresponding with line 33 of FIG. 1, with end cover 12 removed. Opposed upper and lower conical inlets 13, and 14, are formed partly in body 19 and partly in upper and lower covers 2% and 21, respectively. End cover 22 is attached to upper and lower covers 26 and 21. Flexible member 23 is connected to body 19 and nozzle section 24, and allows slice lips 25 to be adjusted.

Schematic FIGURES 4 and 5 show two typical positions in which this invention may be used.

The form of the invention shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 through 6 except that a single external duct 27 is employed instead of the two ducts 26 and 27 as employed in the form of FIGS. 1 through 6.

The main advantages of this invention over previous methods mentioned above, are the absence of mechanically and hydraulically driven parts, and the fact that the slice opening can be easily adjusted by external means from either side of the machine While the machine is in operation.

Another advantage lies in the unrestricted passageways through which the fluid travels, providing free fluid flow and thus saving power.

Another advantage is that the eflect of fluid turning through 180 in a converging chamber, will produce a stable, even and uniform flow.

Another advantage is that the fluid, after combination into one single stream, is accelerated, thus ensuring a complete union of the fluids.

Many alternative arrangements of the invention are possible, FIG. 6 being one execution, showing a rectifier roll 41 in the deceleration chamber. Other flow correction devices could be included if desired.

From the foregoing it will be seen that I have provided new and improved means for obtaining all of the objects and advantages of the invention.

Iclaim:

1. In a fluid inlet for paper machines, means forming a pair of external ducts adapted to feed corresponding means forming conical inlets, said inlet means each communicating with means forming a single discharge orifice by means of converging transmission channels, said channels each forming a 130 bend, and said channels respectively having an area which decreases in the direction of said bend forming a narrow portion whereby the narrow portion in the bend of the channel causes acceleration of the fluid transmitted therein.

2. In a fluid inlet for paper machines, means forming two conical inlets adapted to be fed from means forming two relatively opposed external ducts, each of said inlets communicating with means forming a single discharge orifice by means of converging transmission channels, each of said channels having a 180 bend between said inlets and said discharge orifice, and said channels decreasing in thickness and diameter along their lengths from said inlets to said bends, and means forming a venturi-shaped constrictions immediately below the bend of each channel, whereby the fluid is further accelerated.

3. In a fluid inlet for paper machines, means forming a pair of conical inlets fed from two external cross-flow ducts, plural passage means converging to connect said inlet means with a single discharge orifice, each of said passage means having a 180 bend, means forming a venturi-shaped constriction immediately below the bend said bend, and a deceleration chamber being positioned in communication with and further downstream from said venturi-shaped constriction.

4. In a fluid inlet for paper machines, means forming a pair of conical inlets adapted to be fed from two external cross-flow ducts, said inlet means communicating With a single discharge orifice by means of dual converging channels, each of said channels having a 180 bend above the point of convergence of said channels, means forming a venturi-shaped constriction positioned immediately below said point of convergence, and a deceleration chamber being further downstream from said venturi-shaped constriction means, and means for venting air trapped in said ducts.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,347,130 Seaborne Apr. 18, 1944 2,728,271 Witworth et al Dec. 27, 1955 2,973,034 White Feb. 28, 1961 3,009,517 Webster Nov. 21, 1961 3,016,089 Webster Jan. 9, 1962 3,067,815 Flaig et a1. Dec. 11, 1962 FOREIGN PATENTS 794,550 Great Britain May 7, 1958 446,331 Canada Jan. 20, 1948 OTHER REFERENCES Van der Meer: Hydraulic of Flowbox and Slice, TAPPI, vol. 37, No. 11, November 1954, pages 502-511. 

1. IN A FLUID INLET FOR PAPER MACHINES, MEANS FORMING A PAIR OF EXTERNAL DUCTS ADAPTED TO FEED CORRESPONDING MEANS FORMING CONICAL INLETS, SAID INLET MEANS EACH COMMUNICATING WITH MEANS FORMING A SINGLE DISCHARGE ORIFICE BY MEANS OF CONVERGING TRANSMISSION CHANNELS, SAID CHANNELS EACH FORMING A 180* BEND, AND SAID CHANNELS RESPECTIVELY HAVING AN AREA WHICH DECREASES IN THE DIRECTION OF SAID BEND FORMING A NARROW PORTION WHEREBY THE NARROW PORTION IN THE BEND OF THE CHANNEL CAUSES ACCELERATION OF THE FLUID TRANSMITTED THEREIN. 